Akorn, Inc. and Strides Arcolab Limited Agree to Expand the Akorn-Strides, LLC Joint Venture Product Pipeline to Twenty-Nine ANDA's.

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. -- Akorn, Inc. (AMEX: AKN) and Strides Arcolab Limited (NSE: STAR, BSE: 532531) today announced that both Companies have agreed to fund, develop, and commercialize an additional 10 ANDA injectable drug products for the Akorn-Strides, LLC Joint Venture. Akorn and Strides created and funded the Joint Venture in 2005 and since that time have developed and submitted 15 ANDA's. Prior to year end, the Joint Venture expects to submit an additional 2 ANDA's for a total of 17 ANDA's filed in 2006. The Joint Venture is developing liquid, lyophilized and dry powder fill generic injectable products targeting several therapeutic markets with a major focus on anti-infectives, analgesics and CNS medicines.

The additional funding provided to the Joint Venture will expand the Akorn-Strides, LLC to 29 ANDA's for a total of 53 SKU's, or product line offerings. The Joint Venture expects to generate revenues in 2007 based on initial product approvals and subsequent product launches.

Arthur S. Przybyl, President and CEO of Akorn and Member Manager of Akorn-Strides, LLC stated, "We are pleased with the progress of the Joint Venture since its inception. Strides Arcolab has demonstrated on-time execution in developing ANDA injectable drug products for the Joint Venture. Akorn has been filing regulatory submissions for the Joint Venture at a rate of approximately two per month. It stands to reason that expanding the Joint Venture product portfolio will only help to generate greater revenues and market presence."

Arun Kumar, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Strides and Member Manager of Akorn-Strides, LLC stated, "We are delighted to expand the pipeline of products to 29 in our Joint Venture with Akorn and we are confident that the Joint Venture will emerge as a significant provider of quality sterile products in the North American region."

About Akorn, Inc.

Akorn, Inc. manufactures and markets sterile specialty pharmaceuticals. Akorn has manufacturing facilities located in Decatur, Illinois and Somerset, New Jersey and markets and distributes an extensive line of hospital and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Additional information is available at the Company's website at www.akorn.com.

About Strides Arcolab Limited

Strides, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (532531) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (STAR), is one of India's largest exporters of branded generic pharmaceutical products. Strides manufactures pharmaceuticals formulations in various dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid injectables and is one of the world's top five manufacturers of softgel capsules. Strides also has the only globally dedicated softgel facility for hormones. In addition, Strides undertakes contract research and the manufacturing of specialty chemicals for various multinational companies. Strides has a major presence in various developing countries such as Africa, Latin America and Asia as well as in developed markets such as the U.S., Canada and part of Europe. Strides is one of the largest Indian supplier of institutionally funded aid projects and is an approved supplier to the Global Drug Facility, UNICEF, and MSF amongst others.

Strides has 14 manufacturing plants spread across the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Poland, Singapore and India. This broad manufacturing network facilitates partnering with global organizations ranging from UNICEF and WHO-Global Drug Facility to European and American pharmaceutical multinationals, private labelers and distribution chains. Strides has product registrations in over 37 countries around the world and has earned ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GMP accreditations including USFDA. Strides employs approximately 1,700 people across the globe. Strides also has a marketing presence in over 50 countries.

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